A joint venture between Woodbourne Group, Bruntwood SciTech, Aston University, Birmingham City University and Birmingham City Council has launched Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, a 518.9-acre innovation district.
Over the next 20 years, the partners are set to unlock £4bn in private sector investment to deliver 3.6m sq ft of commercial space focused on life sciences, AI and advanced manufacturing. The masterplan, which sits next to HS2’s Curzon Street station, also features 1.1m sq ft of cultural and community assets.
In addition, the knowledge quarter will deliver 4,800 homes, of which 15% would be classified as affordable, more than 1,500 hotel bedrooms with conference facilities, and 39.5 acres of public realm.
The designated Investment Zone covers Woodbourne’s Curzon Wharf and Birmingham BioCity; Bruntwood SciTech’s Enterprise Wharf; Birmingham City University’s STEAMhouse; Aston Business School; the Aston Integrated Healthcare Hub; and the Aston Business Hub.
Tani Dulay, chief executive at Woodbourne, said: “Birmingham Knowledge Quarter is recognised by the UK government as a nationally significant innovation district, and it has every hallmark of a world-class investment destination. With globally ranked universities, a young, diverse talent pipeline, and unrivalled connectivity via HS2, we’re creating a faster, more cost-effective alternative to London, Cambridge and global tech hubs.
“This isn’t just about competing, it’s about leading a new generation of innovation districts: more inclusive, more agile and built for the industries shaping our future, in one location.”
Jo Birch, chief innovation officer at Woodbourne, said: “Birmingham Knowledge Quarter is where global ambition meets grounded opportunity – driving life sciences and digital breakthroughs, and offering investors access to talent, infrastructure and partnerships at the heart of the UK’s most connected city.”
Image © Woodbourne
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